Charles Darwin University (CDU TAFE)
3 weeks to 1 year
Become a certified remote pilot and operate unmanned aircraft systems professionally. This nationally accredited qualification prepares you for CASA remote pilot licensing with comprehensive training in aircraft operations, air law, and safety management.
You must demonstrate solid level 2 or emerging level 3 language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy against the ACSF framework. Computer and internet access is required for online learning platform access (Learnline). No prior aviation experience is necessary, though basic digital literacy is essential. Civil and military personnel should verify specific CASA requirements before enrollment.
The course comprises 9 core units and 5 elective units totaling 365-370 nominal hours. Core competencies include managing human factors in remote pilot operations, navigating unmanned aircraft systems, performing operational inspections, operating and managing remote aircraft, launching and recovering aircraft, applying air law principles, controlling aircraft on the ground, managing energy sources, and applying situational awareness. Elective units cover aeronautical radio operations, NOTAM procedures, aviation work health and safety, multi-rotor aircraft operations, infrastructure inspections, and aerial mapping and modeling.
CDU TAFE is the Northern Territory's largest training provider with specialized aviation training facilities and industry-expert instructors. The program is nationally accredited under the AVI Aviation Training Package and aligns directly with CASA regulatory requirements. CDU offers recognition of prior learning to accelerate your qualification, flexible delivery options, and pathways into higher education qualifications like the Certificate IV in Aviation (Supervision).
Upon completion, you'll be qualified to work as a remote pilot operating unmanned aircraft systems across various industries. Career opportunities include infrastructure inspection roles, aerial mapping and surveying, emergency response operations, agricultural monitoring, and civil/military aviation positions. The qualification provides a foundation for advancing to Certificate IV in Aviation (Supervision) for supervisory roles in remote pilot operations.
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